Prayer Archives - incmedia.org

How Do I know God Is Listening To My Prayers?

Prayer is such an important aspect of our lives. It helps us find courage in times of need. It gives us that boost of confidence and reassurance that we’re not alone in what we’re about to face.

I remember when I was 14 years old, and it was my first day at a new school. Our family had moved into a new house in a new neighborhood far away from where I grew up. I had no friends to sit with during lunch, and no one to walk beside on the way home. But what I did have was my prayers. Every day I would sit in the library, eat my sandwich, and pray for Him to stick by me.

For all of us, prayer is needed not only during these small quiet moments in life—we pray right before some of the biggest ones, too. We pray before entering into all kinds of high-stress competitive environments. We see athletes pray before a big sporting match, and performers pray before taking center stage. Even pro-gamers pray.

And it also allows us to find the small pockets of peace that we need to help deal with our hectic lives. According to research, prayer and meditation help enhance self-awareness and focus. It’s like our secret weapon in fighting whatever the world has to throw at us.

But sometimes, it can feel like our prayers go unanswered. Like the world around us is beating us down, drowning our pleading voice. With every prayer unanswered we tend to lose belief that we can do better and be better. We begin to forget or take for granted the things that matter most because we’re frustrated by the silence. And, eventually, we start asking “Is God even listening to me?” Or, “Why hasn’t God answered my prayers?”

Some have blamed God for not answering a prayer.

We need it, but does prayer work?

It’s gotten so bad that some people have not only started to give up on prayer but have given up on believing that God exists. Many have grown up in households where parents don’t believe in God, so they ask, “Why bother praying?” Others who did grow up in religious homes have stopped having faith altogether. Worse of all, some have blamed God for not answering a prayer for something important, feeling like He didn’t save them from the repercussions of a bad decision they’ve made.

I have some good news for you. Prayer does work. It really does.

Well, if you’re reading this right now, I have some good news for you. Prayer does work. It really does. And studies show that most people believe there is a higher power up there watching and guiding us. But the key is in order for Him to hear us, we need to know what kind of prayer He will listen to.

Not all prayers are the same.

That’s right, not all prayers are the same, and not all prayers will be answered if you’re not praying the right way. So let’s go down the list of some of the reasons why God might not be answering you, based on what I’ve learned in group Bible studies.

1. You’re asking for the wrong thing.

“And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures.” James 4:3 GNT

Just because it’s something we want doesn’t always mean it’s something we need. And God always knows what we need, because He’s always looking out for us. So the next time we get on our knees to pray, make sure it’s for something that will bring us closer to God and benefit us in our spiritual journey.

We begin to second guess the answer God gave us which can lead to second-guessing if prayer works.

2. Your prayer was answered, you just don’t like the answer.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Face it, sometimes we pray for an answer, for a sign, for some divine guidance, and the prayer is answered! Sometimes almost right away. But when we see it in front of us and realize that this is what God wants us to do, we refuse to accept the answer. We begin to second guess the answer God gave us which can lead to second-guessing if prayer works because we never get the answer we want. We analyze the wording of our prayers, too, hoping to find a loophole to what we prayed for and how we said it in order for us to justify ignoring the answer we got.

The absolute best place to pray and build that relationship with God is within a house of worship.

3. Your relationship with God needs work.

“The Lord is close to every person who calls to him for help. The Lord is close to every person who truly worships him.” Psalms 145: 18 ETRV

Like any healthy relationship, our relationship with God needs constant effort. We have to be willing to not just ask Him for things but show Him our willingness to sacrifice and obey His teachings. And while we can close our eyes and pray almost anywhere, the absolute best place to pray and build that relationship is within a house of worship, during a worship service. It is there that we can truly connect with Him and His teachings and where we can openly and honestly plead to Him and let our worries be known.

This right here is an answer to your prayers.

Your prayers were answered, you just didn’t know it.

If you’ve gotten this far in the blog post, and are taking the time to truly find out why God hasn’t answered your prayers, it’s apparent that you value establishing a true and long-lasting relationship with God.

And with that relationship comes the right to pray to Him and worship Him in truth along with others who feel and hope and yearn for the same things you do.

I eventually graduated valedictorian at the new school I moved to when I was 14. I was surrounded by friends cheering me on as I accepted my award, and in my speech, I remembered to thank God for answering my prayers, and for always being by my side. So this right here might be an answer to your prayers, it’s what you have been searching for all your life.

Don’t let your future prayers go unanswered. With that said, I leave you with one last Bible verse I learned in a worship service, Psalms. 37:34 TLB:

“Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Keep traveling steadily along his pathway and in due season he will honor you with every blessing,…”

1. Psalms 37:34 TLB with a clock and a pink and blue background.

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About the Author:

This blog was co-written by Martin Zerrudo with biblical support by Richard Juatco, a Minister of the Gospel of the Church Of Christ.

Martin Zerrudo is a Producer at INCMEDIA Services, a lifetime gamer and a Christian. He currently hosts a podcast called “Heart & Soul” tackling subjects regarding Christian relationships and Christian living.

Richard Juatco has been an ordained minister in the Church Of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) for five years.

Where Are They Now? The Lasting Impact of the Executive Minister

The Lasting Impact of the Executive Minister

For the last five years here at INC Media Services, the producers and writers set aside time from the months of June and July, to gather heartwarming and uplifting stories we hear in relation to the interaction of our brothers and sisters in the faith, and our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

The producers and teams get together to discuss the best of the best stories. As we hear the stories of how God has worked miracles through the Church Administration we get goosebumps, some of us wipe away tears, and there’s a lot of “imagine that!” or “wow!” whispered.

This year we started with a simple question—which is your favorite Blessed Moment? I’m on #TeamBecerril! Long story short: an elderly Mexican couple met Brother Eduardo in California, happy tears ensued. Brother Eduardo’s next stop was Mexico City, Mexico—their home! Will he see them there? At first, no. But then, the love and concern of the Church Administration overflowed (so do my tears. Each. Time.), and the Becerrils made it home, for the first time in over 10 years to see their Church in their homeland. My heart.

What’s your favorite Blessed Moment feature? If you’ve watched the series, you probably have a favorite one. And this year, on top of bringing you more of these Blessed Moments, we’re looking back at some of our favorite stories and moments with Brother Eduardo V. Manalo and asking—“Where are they now?”

MYLA CUNANAN

The girl who needed a hug, a prayer, and also a transplant

Myla was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and has always been open and honest about the struggles in her health, and the strengths of her faith—because, for her, they come hand in hand.

Her mother, Leyna, once prayed during the depths of Myla’s sickness, “Please God, is it okay if you still give her to us?” As a mother, when you hear those words come from Leyna herself, it’s like the oxygen gets sucked out of your lungs. But that low point didn’t last long.

During the 50th Anniversary in the West Celebration, Myla was discharged from the hospital with barely enough time to make it to the Golden1 Arena in Sacramento. But she made it. She got to celebrate God’s victories in His Church in the West, hug Brother Eduardo, and he even prayed with her family. From going into cardiac arrest multiple times to stabilizing and just being on dialysis—her family knows that Myla’s struggles aren’t over, but that because of prayer her health will never be a hindrance to her faith.

Some updates on Myla, from her mom Leyna:

Myla has been singing in the Children’s Worship Service Choir and performing as a secretary in her local congregation of Alameda in Northern California. She was able to perform in the recent Anniversary Thanksgiving Worship Service in the choir and had enough strength to walk the processional hymn all the way to the choir loft. She gets stronger every day.

She loves to cook Filipino food now!

During the recent Momentous Evangelical Mission held in her district, she invited the whole dialysis unit where she receives treatment!

Just recently, she marked the 5th anniversary of her bone marrow/stem cell transplant, and as a celebration, we will be volunteering at a bone marrow donor drive at the University of California, San Francisco.

One month after her prayer with Brother Eduardo, she was on stage at Dreamfest 2018 (a concert benefiting UCSF Hospital, where she was a patient) accepting the Colin Powell Medal of Courage Award for all of her strength not only as a patient, but for her efforts to get more Asian donors registered as bone marrow donors.

A group of five individuals on stage with a jumbotron behind them projecting their image.

Her recent bone marrow drive was a great success! She was able to inspire more donors to register and was featured by ABC7, who joined her at her re-birthday celebration.

A special message from the Cunanans to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo:

We would like to greet our Executive Minister, “Happy 10th Anniversary!”

We love you so much!

Myla still needs the perfect kidney transplant and is patiently waiting and praying for it. Keep up with Myla’s Journey for all the details on her search for a compatible donor.

A family photo of 5; two children wearing cream choir robes. Facebook post of the Asian American Donor Program.

ANGELINE DOE

The little girl who recovered

Little Angeline was confined to the hospital with bone-marrow cancer and retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. But her father was determined to bring her to the Pastoral Visit of the Executive Minister in Athens, Greece.

When the doctors objected, he said, “I’ll carry her.” Oh, the strength of a father—body, and spirit.

She was prayed for by Brother Eduardo and immediately her parents saw God’s work first hand—an improvement in her demeanor. The doctors saw her cancers receding.

And update from the Doe family:

Every 6 months Angeline receives a check-up and her white blood cell counts are still zero. She is growing up healthy! We thank our Almighty God for this miracle that He has done in our life.

A mom and two daughters in a car smiling.

Next month, she goes to school!

We were able to travel to Rome, Italy for the Church’s 25th Anniversary of its establishment in Rome and once again we were able to have a prayer with Brother Eduardo for our daughter’s health. Glory be unto God!

A family of 4 posing: two daughters, mother and father.

A special message from the Doe family to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo:

To Brother Eduardo, we would like to greet him, “Happy 10 Years!” of his dynamic leadership inside the Church Of Christ. Thank you, for inspiring us. Thank you for caring for us. Thank you for loving the Church. May God continue to bless you and your family, may God continue to bless you with long life and strength, and may He protect you every day. We love you and we are always one with you. Thank you for praying for our family!

We learn in the Bible that faith can move mountains. It’s a hard concept to grasp when looking at the height of a mountain. But for Angeline, faith moved not just one mountain, but two. Two cancers in one small body; now gone. Her father might have carried her with all his strength that day, but her Father in Heaven has carried her every day since.

LIAM ANG

The offering of a child

Inside the Church Of Christ, when we have children, we pray for them—but more than that, we promise to God to be their protector, their caregiver, the ones who will bring them up in true faith. This prayer, which is a prayer of offering, is done during congregational worship services inside the Church, with the laying of hands by a minister of the Gospel.

The Ang family was so thankful to God for another healthy baby boy, so naturally, the time came to offer their child to God. The timing happened to coincide with the Pastoral Visit of the Executive Minister and dedication of the newly renovated house of worship in nearby Bakersfield, California. The parents requested for the offering to happen during that congregational worship service. What were the chances that during an already special worship service, this extra special prayer would also be able to happen? Apparently, 100%.

A couple holds their newborn son who is being prayed over by the Executive Minister.

The parents’ dreams came true—not only was Liam Ang offered during a special worship service led by Brother Eduardo, but when the moment came, it was Brother Eduardo himself who stepped forward and raised his hands over the child and conveyed their prayers of promise. There wasn’t a dry eye in the entire chapel.

“This is what we want Liam to understand—that you weren’t offered by just anyone,” Liam’s mom Eunice said at the time — but by the Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.

Update on little Liam, from the Ang family:

Liam is now three years old and has grown to be a witty, sweet and caring boy with so much fascination for animals, most especially dinosaurs.

Even before he could talk straight he was able to name different kinds of dinosaurs. Recently he has learned how to swim, and ever since he has started to talk he would never fail to pray to our Lord God even with just a few words every night before going to bed.

A family of 4 posing in the snow; 2 boys, mother, father.

A special message from the Angs to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo:

With heartfelt thanks and praises to our Almighty God, our entire family greets our

beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo on the occasion of his 10th year of successful, dynamic and truly blessed leadership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Our dearest Brother, you are God’s instrument for all of the Church’s triumphs over the years. We will continue to be in union with the Church Administration; the same faith we shall continue to teach our children together with living a Christian way of life as we wait for our salvation. May our Lord God always bless you with good health and wisdom as you labor day and night to lead us towards the perfection of our faith. We love you so much.

A family of 4 posing in front of a “We Are One with EVM” poster.

If Liam is anything like my son, one day he might not know all the dinosaurs’ names anymore. He’ll look back and roll his eyes at his childish delights that we find just oh so cute right now.

But no matter how old Liam gets, where life leads him, the paths he takes, and in the presence of, and distraction of his own family that he’ll start one day—do you know what he won’t forget? That the first act of faith in his life was presided over by none other than the Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo himself.

MARTIN OLIVER GALICIA

The young man waiting for his calling

It’s not very often you find a nine-year-old boy who already knows what he’d like to do with his life. But that was Oliver—he had just one short moment with Brother Eduardo during a Pastoral Visit in Bangkok, Thailand in 2011, and with so many questions that his curious mind wanted to ask, he only managed to ask one: “What can I do now, at this age, to help become a Minister”?

A boy getting an autograph from the Executive Minister.

Most adults would probably sarcastically chuckle when a child declares their life’s ambitions at such a young age. But Brother Eduardo didn’t dismiss his goals and eagerness, he smiled at him and said, “Well, that depends on if God’s going to call you.”

So Oliver has been waiting for his heart to feel that calling, to feel that undeniable pull into the holy ministry that thousands of men have answered in recent years inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

He’s been waiting. Currently, studying in the Philippines, here’s an update from Oliver:

I was waiting for God’s call and it did come—it came like a great wave, through words from ministers telling me it’s a good idea that I entered a Filmmaking course. I wanted to help the Church and share my faith through the media. With an extra gift from God, knowing the Thai language, that may one day help spread the words of God in Thailand. The course I’m taking is digital filmmaking and I’m on my second year here at a college in the Philippines.

The duties I’m performing in the Church are Secretary, Children’s Worship Service officer and I am currently attending classes as a student to become a Children’s Worship Service teacher (how to preach the words of God to young children), while I continue my studies in college at the same time.

Holding a sacred duty inside the Church is not an easy task. It takes a lot of time management to balance what we prioritize in life. This for me is very important because the value of holding sacred duties in the Church is one of the greatest things in life. So is staying active in serving our Lord God.

A group of 3 young people standing on the street with an INC house of worship behind them.

A special message from Oliver to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo:

Thank you, Brother, for throughout your leadership and guidance you continue to remind us how thankful and prayerful we should be. My family and I continue to pray to Our Almighty God to give us the strength and faith that we need and continue to bear fruits, and share our faith to others so that they, too, may attain salvation.

I imagine my eight-year-old daughter, not much younger than Oliver was when he first met Brother Eduardo, and I think of all the other eight and nine-year-olds I’ve known and met over the years. Oliver’s maturity at that age is truly unique. I know he was waiting for a calling, waiting for confirmation in his heart. I can’t wait to (God-willing) hear about the day he’s a full-fledged Minister of the Gospel, in line to speak with Brother Eduardo again, and I hope that same smile appears on both of their faces—them knowing together what it feels like to know God’s purpose for your life.

_________________________________________________________________________

The impact of the Executive Minister’s visits, the concern we feel from him as INC members aren’t quantifiable. He is often described as the guardian of our faith—he is that, and so much more.

Brother Eduardo,

When we hold up signs on which it is written, “We love you!”—we mean it.

When we put up a banner on which it is written: “Thank you for your visit!”—we mean it.

Angeline’s father carried her to you. Myla’s mother wheeled her to you. But their stories have become all of our Blessed Moments.

Naomi De La Cruz is a staff writer at INC Media Services, a mother of two, trafficker of books, lover of outdoor urban adventures and a baptized member of the Church Of Christ since 1998.

Daughter of a Filipino OFW Learns a Lesson About Coping

A daughter of an Overseas Filipino Worker, longing for her family to be together, receives a lesson from the Executive Minister that will remain carved into her heart.

Show/Hide Transcript

Kaithe Fadreguilan: Not every situation has to be understood by an individual. But in these times when it is hardest to give thanks, I closed my eyes and prayed. That for once, I will not ask for anything, but to thank God for keeping my family together.

[Show Open]

[Video Montage of Sister Kaithe Fadreguilan and Vietnam]

[Music]

[On-Screen text graphic]

Kaithe Fadreguilan

Meycauayan, Bulacan

Kaithe Fadreguilan: Hi, I would like to share my story after listening to the lesson of the Executive Minister. I’m Sister Kaithe Fadreguilan from the Local Congregation of Meycauayan, Bulacan.

[On-Screen text graphic]

Vietnam

Kaithe Fadreguilan: I had moved from Vietnam after nine years, back to the Philippines in order to study in university.

[On-Screen text graphic]

Philippines

Kaithe Fadreguilan: Returning back to the Philippines was one of the hardest things I had to do, because my family of three would be separated from each other. My mom and I would head home and my dad would have to stay abroad. Throughout my studies, at most times, I wished that our family was together. But my everyday routine of studying would often take these worries away. I always let it settle in the back of my mind. It was only this summer that I realize the sadness of not having my family together all the time returned. Every time I performed my duty as a choir member, my prayers were filled with the request that one day my family would be complete again.

Kaithe Fadreguilan: I felt regret and pain that I may be the reason to why my family was not complete. Because I chose to study in the Philippines instead of staying in Vietnam. During the Thanksgiving, it was when the sadness got worse. But in these times, even when it’s the hardest to give thanks, I closed my eyes and prayed. That for once, I would not ask for anything, but to thank God for keeping my family together and giving us everything we’ve always asked even when we’re not together. During the lesson, one of the most important lessons was carved into my heart. It was the statement of the Executive Minister that not every situation has to be understood by an individual, instead we must trust God. Whatever sadness I felt, I should not force myself to understand it but I should trust God.

Kaithe Fadreguilan: Every trial one will go through they may never understand by the individual at the moment, but God has a reason.

Kaithe Fadreguilan: And my prayers changed. They changed from, “Please help me understand what I’m going through,” to, “Please give me the faith and strength that I need to go through this trial.” And when my prayers changed, my perspective in life changed. It pushed me to do better and everything that I was doing and to constantly perform my duty with zeal and fervor. I realized the particular sadness was just part of the journey and it’s just part of all of the trials that I would go through in life. Because even during this trial and after, I will constantly rejoice; it’s just right to rejoice in God.

Kaithe Fadreguilan: And to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, thank you for always providing God’s words which is the food of our souls and gives us the strength to live day by day through our problems and troubles. Your love and great intention to bring every member of the Church Of Christ closer to God is felt in every worship service and every live streaming of your visitations throughout the world. May God bless you and further you in your duty. We thank you greatly for your unwavering love for the Church Of Christ. We love you po.

The Long Road To Finding Authentic Prayers

Every morning, Greg Chirsan has a routine. It’s a routine that took decades to get right.

“I know my day hasn’t started until I pray to God first. Prayer is equal to breathing and eating—if I took that away from my life it would be like fasting forever or not drinking water for months.”

1. Man praying while sitting in the pews of a worship building

Growing Up in the Jewish Faith

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a Jewish family, prayer was a part of life. But even as a young boy, he knew there was something still missing from it.

“Judaism is a very ritualistic religion. I had a big attitude that I was a Jew and I was one of the chosen people, and actually, I had trouble in my life when I was in high school when I was in the Navy. With this kind of attitude, you know, I was taught we’re separate from everybody because there’s like Jews and Gentiles and those are the people that live on the earth. I didn’t go to synagogue anymore for years and years and years. So it was more like an attitude than a practice of religion.”

As time went on, he began to resent this religion he was born into. It was the 1970s, and he was in a stage of exploration. So he was on to the next religion and ended up exploring different ones, some of which were not based on Christian teachings.

Disappointed By Religion

Although he prayed five times a day in his former religion, he never really felt the benefits of prayer. After spending much of his time and his life in two different religions, he was disappointed. Then, an unexpected meeting with a member of the Church Of Christ brought him into an interesting conversation about the Bible.

“(He) started telling me about stuff in the Bible. There was something a lot different because actually there’s stuff in the Bible that is taught by the true religion that you can’t get anywhere else. So he started showing me verses in the Bible, and I kinda knew that this was the real thing.”

After two months of engaging conversation with his friend, he finally agreed to meet with a minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), which was intense.

“I got really angry. I was yelling at (the minister), and saying what I knew from my former religions and all that stuff, and it was like the last little hold I had on that religion.”

But despite the heated conversations, Greg got clarity and soon found himself attending the Bible studies in the Long Island house of worship, completely enthralled with what he was learning.

Bible being held while people are listening

“When I started attending the Bible study, it blew me away, every Bible study. And the way I look at the Bible studies, even if you’re a lawyer, for example, a lawyer goes on evidence to prove something. So when the minister says the topic of the worship service or the topic of the Bible study, and then let’s say, ‘Who is the true God?’ and then he reads the ten or fifteen verses in the Bible that show who the true God is, you can examine evidence and see if that’s the truth or not.”

For once, Greg found something that was not just about routine or tradition.

Learning How to Pray

“I knew that I was, for the first time, hearing the true words of God and [it was] not a ritual or just going through the motions. Similar to Catholics, people who memorize prayers, but it’s not like that in the Church Of Christ”

He finally realized that the prayers he had been saying decades before were all ritual. Today, he looks at prayers with deeper meaning and purpose.

“Actually I don’t really know if I was praying that much then. Not till I was really taught how to pray. I felt the Holy Spirit in the worship service. And it was the words of God that were blowing me away in every Bible study. I was so amazed. I mean so many Bible studies I was crying like crazy because it was the first time I heard them. Because the words of God have so much power, and it was really amazing.”

Having been a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) for decades now, there is one thing he truly lives by.

Maintaining the Relationship with God

“As I developed in my membership, prayer is the key to everything. And one of the reasons why is that we can’t be here in the chapel 24/7, but we need to maintain that relationship with our Father in Heaven at all times. And the key to everything is prayer and so it’s essential.”

Man vacuuming inside a the worship building

Today, Greg is the caretaker of the house of worship in Long Island City, New York. He takes every opportunity to pray inside the worship building.

Spiritual but Not Religious

More people claim to be spiritual but not religious. What’s the difference? Is there a danger to this belief?

Rewa Thompson: “My Favorite Answered Prayer”

After praying to find “the one,” Rewa discovered who the love of her life was in a way she never expected.

Learn the Best Way to Improve Your Spiritual Well-Being

People worry about their physical health, but what about their spiritual health? Learn how to protect your spiritual well-being.

Show/Hide Transcript

Voiceover: The life that we live now is so valuable to us. To prove how valuable our life is, we make sure that we do things that we need to do to protect it, and even live lifestyles to prolong it and make it stronger. However, some of the things that may be dangerous and unhealthy for us, and maybe even deadly, are sometimes not so obvious. What do you think we should protect ourselves from?

Boy 1: Number one danger in the world today— I think it is laziness or apathy; unwillingness to put forth effort and to be motivated and driven to get something—I think everyone talks about wanting to be successful and make money and things like that. But at the end of the day, that takes hard work and practice and effort.

Boy 2: I would just watch out for people on social media, you never know who somebody is. Sometimes it could be a bad person, they could just be being fake using you, you never know.

Girl 1: Other people. I’m afraid of everything.

Girl 2: I think people should be careful of other people’s opinions. I think you should—if you feel something that you really enjoy, and that you really think that you’ll be great in, I think you should with your own instinct.

Boy 3: Fear. You know, protect yourself from being scared of doing what you actually want. I feel is probably the biggest thing of why we we are missing on so much, is because we’re scared of doing whatever you actually want to do.

[Video ends]

Brother Mark Vasquez: There are things that we need to protect ourselves from, that could harm our physical bodies as well. Some of these things aren’t as obvious. So some may categorize these things as silent killers. Silent killers are referred to in this way because of how they could appear in life. The Collins dictionary defines it as:

“a disease that has no obvious symptoms or indications.”

[Collins Dictionary]

Brother Mark: An example of a silent killer may be:

[On-screen text graphics]

High blood pressure, diabetes, and Cancer.

Brother Mark: We shouldn’t just protect ourselves from things that could destroy our physical bodies, though. What we need to protect ourselves from, is anything that could destroy our soul. What is it that could destroy us? Let’s begin our Bible reading in 2 Peter 2:1:

False Prophets appeared in the past among the people. And in the same way, false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction.

[2 Peter 2:1 Good News Translation]

Brother Mark: False teachings taught by false preachers or prophets bring about destruction upon oneself, which includes their soul. The saddest part is that in our day and age, not many people are looking at or examining the doctrines, or what is being taught. The proof of this was also mentioned by Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:3-4:

For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth, but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. They won’t listen to what the Bible says, but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas.

[2 Timothy 4:3-4 Living Bible]

Brother Mark: Is this not true in our time, that people don’t listen to what the Bible says? And yet others will proclaim, “It’s not true that I’m not following the Bible? My pastor uses the Bible. So how can it be said that we’re not listening to the truth, or following the Bible?” The Bible reminded us though, people will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. Although one may be listening to someone who’s holding a Bible, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that person is teaching what the Bible really teaches.

Let us remember dear friends, that in the same way that specific physical sickness, need specific treatments. The issue with our soul is no different. The way to protect our souls from destruction lies in God’s truth and wisdom, which is found in the Holy Scriptures. Apostle Paul explained this in 2 Timothy 3:15:

And you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

[2 Timothy 3:15 Good News Translation]

Brother Mark: Others may say, “That’s why I make sure that I go to a Bible yielding church and I even take notes and jot down the verses when my minister reads them from the Bible.”

Does it mean to say that, because a preacher is holding the Bible and using the Bible, then what he or she is teaching is the truth? Let’s read 2 Timothy 3:7 this is what the Bible tells us:

Always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

[2 Timothy 3:7 New King James Version]

Brother Mark: The truth referred to is God’s word that’s written in John 17:17 which is found in the Holy Scriptures, or the Bible.

So how then, could it be that one is holding the truth, the Bible, but not teaching or preaching the truth? In 2 Peter 3:16, this is the answer that’s written in the Bible:

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also, the rest of the Scriptures.

[2 Peter 3:16 New King James Version]

Brother Mark: What false teachers will do is twist or distort the Scriptures, which if this is believed in and accepted by those who hear it will lead them to their destruction. This is very similar to seeking for the proper medication for a specific illness one may have. We wouldn’t just take any kind of medication without guidance, if we have a certain condition; for example, high blood pressure, diabetes. We would seek for the proper medicine that would best treat the illness and cure us from the one who has the authority to give that medicine.

When it comes to medicine for our soul, to protect it and ensure its health and salvation. There’s also a need to examine what medication or teaching we are receiving. The truth is, all professing Christians, preachers and lay members are proclaiming that they belong to God, that they are in the truth. But what should we look at, so as to know who is truly of God? Here’s what the Savior himself teaches, in John 7, will read 16 down to 17:

Jesus answered them and said “My doctrine is not Mine, but his who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God, or whether I speak on My own authority.”

[John 7:16-17 New King James Version]

Brother Mark: What people must examine to know, if we are of God, [are] the doctrines we are receiving and upholding. It does us no good if we are following our teachings and doctrines that are not of God, that wouldn’t be bad medicine. So how can one determine if what they are receiving is the right doctrine? The right teaching or the right medicine for their soul? In Galatians, 1: 6, down to 8, it says this,

I am surprised that you! In no time at all you are deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ, and are accepting another gospel. Actually, there is “no other gospel,” but I say this because there are some people who are upsetting you and trying to change the gospel of Christ. But even if we are an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preach to you, may he be condemned to hell!

[Galatians 1:6-8 Good News Translation]

Brother Mark: The apostles teach us to ensure that what we are receiving is based on the truth they preached. Did you notice the consequence of a teaching is different than theirs? It will result in complete destruction. That’s why we need to protect our souls from this kind of destruction.

Friends, it is necessary that we take the time to compare what others may be preaching to what the apostles taught. Why? Because if there is any difference between what others are saying and preaching with what the apostles taught, then that would be a different gospel and would destroy our soul instead of protect it.

So who is the one that we should seek for? To teach us the true knowledge of God for our salvation? In Malachi, we’ll read 2, 7, this is what the Bible tells us:

It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the Lord Almighty.

[Malachi 2:7 Good News Translation]

Brother Mark: Who should we seek to teach us the true knowledge of God? The Messenger. The Bible told us they are the messengers of the Lord. People should go to them to learn My will. And as much as we look for medicines that will ease our sicknesses and life and protect our physical bodies, we need to all the more take time to take measures to protect our spiritual lives to safeguard our soul.

The way to protect our soul is by seeking for the one true church that the Lord Jesus Christ, and His apostles preached the only church with a true messenger in these last days. In this way, no matter what the problem, no matter how great the challenge, and even against all odds, just remember to trust in God, He will always provide us the solution. Thank you for joining us. We’ll see you next time.

The Power of True Prayer

Feeling that the repetitiveness of praying the Rosary has no value, a young man comes to fully realize the true meaning of prayer. This is Paolo Montinola’s story of faith, on INC Podcasts.

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Pint-Sized Prayers

Learn how to teach your children the importance of prayer.

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Learning to Pray for My Family

Every day was a struggle for Roxanne Garvin. “My fears for my children when they were growing up was bullying, people in the neighborhood that they didn’t know would bully them.” But the bullying wasn’t the only thing she was afraid of. Danger threatened them around every corner.

Raising Kids in the City

Every time a police car siren blares, Roxanne’s heart rate rises. As a single working mom raising her children in one of Philadelphia’s roughest neighborhoods, Roxanne Garvin was always worried about her kids, Naeemah and Ahmad. The crime rate in Philadelphia is 46% higher than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime. Hearing gunshots go off while seeing dealers loiter the streets was part of their norm. “I constantly sat down and talked with them, about who’s at home, where they were when they weren’t home, who they’re hanging out with, I was always overly protective.”

Prayer for Protection

Studies reveal that 70% of inmates in state juvenile detention centers were raised in fatherless homes and 70% of teen births occur to girls in single mother homes. Roxanne wanted a different future for Naeemah and Ahmad. “I always tried to have the Bible on hand to have like a family gathering on Sundays and kind of go over what the week may entail . . . And I’m not a fluent person of reading the Bible in terms of quoting verses but I was strict in terms of some of the rules and regulations of the 10 Commandments and how to follow those things and instill those things in them.”

But she couldn’t get a tight grasp on life and parenting. “I really needed some source of direction.” She tried to pray, but she wasn’t sure how to start. “I really wanted to know—what type of prayers should I pray? Will He really listen, or what type of prayers will I pray so that I know He hears me? This was important to me.” But she kept praying anyway.

Son embraces mom and sister with a green shrub in the background.

Soon, instability threatened Roxanne’s hope. “I was petrified when Ahmad had to drop everything [school] and to take care and help out the family. I didn’t think that would be a good situation for him to be in, because education is paramount. That happened to me when I was growing up, and I didn’t want to repeat the same type of circumstances, as I had to deal with. So I really was not comfortable at all with him dropping everything.”

But with no other income, there was no choice. Ahmad put school on hold and went to work. They were grateful for the opportunity because he found something more than just financial stability. Ahmad’s coworker introduced him to the Church Of Christ, and he discovered something he never felt before—he found peace, and he wanted to share that with his sister and mom. “When Ahmad first introduced me to the Church Of Christ, I was overwhelmed. I felt safe that he had sought out peace of mind; he could now find substance in seeking our Lord and Savior . . . And he could now find that people are out there that can help him and guide him in the direction that he may need to go in.”

Roxanne and Naeemah pursued Bible studies in the Church Of Christ, and Roxanne knew they were in the right place. “I felt closer to Christ for the first time. I know, in my life, I’ve always needed Christ. This is what I needed to really give me some kind of guidance and some direction. And not just for me but for my whole family.”

Prayer for My Family

As members of the Church Of Christ, Roxanne and her children spend their time worshiping God together, and she’s learned that prayer is a right and privilege in the Church Of Christ. “I really needed some source of direction and peace, I mean from my heart, to overcome some of the hardship and obstacle that I was dealing with, with my children. My prayers were being answered. And for the first time, I could tell you that prayer really does work. Prayer really does work and He really does hear you. And I gave up a lot of my burdens and a lot of my troubled heart and my boggled mind . . . I really did give it up.”

She gave her problems to God, and in return, He gave her family peace. With that peace came the guidance and protection she so desperately prayed for. Her children are adults now, with their own careers, and a future filled with awesome possibilities. “The worries are not as frequent anymore. My life has gotten better because I rely on the fact that He provides. Every day is a blessing—every day”